What is Stalking?
Stalking is a serious crime involving repeated, unwanted attention or contact that causes someone to feel scared or unsafe. It can happen in person, online, or through devices—and it affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds.
Stalking in Numbers
According to the CDC, about 1 in 5 women and 1 in 17 men have experienced stalking in a lifetime. Most people are stalked by someone they already know—like a former partner, classmate, or acquaintance.
Stalking Laws
All 50 U.S. states have laws that criminalize stalking—but the details vary. Many states also include cyberstalking as a crime, recognizing that digital harassment is just as harmful. These kinds of stalking are both treated as equally bad in the courts.
How Can I Help?
- Be aware
- Support friends who are being harassed
- Encourage better laws and reporting systems